News Beat
The ‘picturesque’ Croft on Tees that’s perfect for walkers
Located on the River Tees, the village of Croft-on-Tees sits on the A167 and has been branded a perfect place for an Autumn and winter stay or a top pick for a walk while passing through the village.
Its Grade I-listed Croft Bridge, a 17th-century, seven-arch stone structure, marks the county boundary between North Yorkshire and County Durham.
Croft became known as Croft Spa after sulphur springs were discovered in 1668. By the early 1700s, its mineral waters were being sold in London, earning the settlement a reputation as a modest spa destination.
The railway station that opened in 1841, Croft Spa Station, took its name from this legacy.
Though the station closed in 1968, the East Coast Main Line still runs nearby.
Visitors today still comment on the sense of preserved history.
“It’s quiet, clean and full of character, you can feel the history in the buildings and the bridge,” wrote one traveller in an online review of the area.
Historic buildings such as Croft Hall, Jolby Manor, and Monk End Hall remain in private or agricultural use, providing glimpses of the area’s past.
Church and Cultural Links
The village church, St Peter’s, dates from the 12th century and is a Grade I-listed structure beside the river.
Author Lewis Carroll lived in the rectory here between 1843 and 1850, when his father was Rector and Archdeacon of Richmond.
A carving of a cat inside the church is believed to have inspired the Cheshire Cat in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Visitors frequently comment on the church’s atmosphere and connection to Carroll’s work.
One review noted: “It’s a small but fascinating church. Knowing the link to Lewis Carroll makes it worth a look; the carving really does look like it’s grinning.”
A centuries-old custom also takes place here: when a new Bishop of Durham takes office, they are presented with the Conyers Falchion sword by the Mayor of Darlington on the Croft Bridge, a tradition dating back to 1790.
Village Life and Community
It falls under the North Yorkshire Council within the Richmond and Northallerton constituency.
The community includes a small number of independent businesses, the Croft Hotel, and easy access to local countryside walks.
The Croft Circuit, built on the site of the former RAF Croft airfield, hosts motorsport events throughout the year and attracts day visitors.
A guest who stayed during a racing weekend described the hotel as “ideal for the circuit, comfortable rooms and friendly staff,” while another mentioned “a great location for exploring Darlington and Richmond.”
Staying in Croft-on-Tees
The Croft Hotel is the main accommodation in the village.
One visitor praised the accommodation, saying: “Our room was ready early, which helped a lot as we were attending a wedding, great service.”
Another noted: “Rooms well presented and beds comfortable – a really nice stay overall.”
Overall, reviewers generally describe the hotel as a comfortable base for exploring North Yorkshire and nearby Darlington, with its riverside views often singled out as a highlight.
Getting There and Things to Do
Croft-on-Tees can be reached via the A167, connecting to Darlington in the north and Northallerton in the south.
Darlington Railway Station provides direct services to London, York and Edinburgh.
The surrounding countryside offers walking, cycling and fishing along the River Tees, with the Yorkshire Dales National Park less than an hour’s drive away.
Visitors often mention that “the riverside paths are peaceful and easy to follow, perfect for a short stroll before lunch.”
